The Gantry was built a few years ago in a style that offers a nod to the bygone industrial days of Stratford.
The Gantry Hotel is part of the Hilton Curio collection in London, and the third of that group we have reviewed. The first was 100 Queen’s Gate in South Kensington and the second was Niepce Hotel, Paris.
Curio Hotels aim to reflect the local area, and The Gantry joins other newly built (during the regeneration of Stratford thanks to the Olympics) skyscrapers in Stratford.
Its wavy form rises from a former industrial location in Stratford and its decor reflects this. The entire exterior has brass-hued gratings and glass while revolving doors lead to a bright interior with industrial ceilings and exposed concrete walls.
But there is nothing drab. The hardwood floors look attractive and the place is full of artworks, designer lamps and brass fittings, with plenty of funky colourful seating throughout the common areas. It has an outdoor terrace too and the combo makes The Gantry a bit of a social hub for the locals.
Who for:
Stratford is not (yet) a tourist hot spot but business travellers or those looking for a great place to spend a night before heading to Eurostar the next day would love this hotel.
Accommodation:
The Gantry has 291 rooms over 17 floors with STK restaurant on the 18th floor. There are various room styles yet even the standard is spacious. Mine was a standard room. The door opens up to a small area with a sofa, and a table leading to an extremely comfortable kingsize bed and en suite. The highlight is the floor-to-ceiling windows; they not only let in the daylight but also offer great views of Stratford, especially on the upper floors.
There are plenty of plug and USB sockets, a minibar and a pull-out safe – it’s in a drawer, an iron, an ironing board and a hairdryer. The en-suite, behind a wooden sliding door, has modern neutral colours, a large round mirror, an extra long basin and a powerful shower. Toiletries, “Grown Alchemist” are their own concoction and smell great.
Food & Drink
On the ground floor near the lobby is the Hermanos Coffee shop where many sip their coffee while tip-tapping on their laptop. On the first floor Coup bar specialising in Champagne and Fizz from around the world.
Also on the first floor is Union Social restaurant. Breakfast (self-service), lunch and dinner are served here. The afternoon tea is a treat with a nod to Brick Lane with its saltbeef beigels, and traditional London fair – fish and chips. There’s also an outdoor terrace with a fire pit where you can snack or sip a cocktail.
On the top floor is STK fine dining restaurant.
Facilities:
The Gantry has a small gym with weights and cardio machines.
What’s nearby:
The Gantry is steps away from Stratford International train station, and from there is a five-minute train hop to King’s Cross and St Pancras International, ideal for catching the Eurostar across the channel.
The Gantry is a short walk from the famous Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park – a must-explore destination. Since the Olympics in 2012 the area has blossomed. The Queen Elizabeth park makes for a lovely walk and an opportunity to swim in an Olympic-sized pool in the London Aquatic Centre housed in a building designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Zaha Hadid. Nearby is Sadlers Well, the West Ham football grounds and the V&A.
VERDICT:
The Gantry is a funky hotel located in a beautifully gentrified part of London. Go for a meet-up, a work space or spend the night in an attractive, relaxed hotel for far less than the usual London prices.
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